Remember when Cheryl’s dad had a secret evil twin? Remember when Jughead went on a hunger strike? Relive it with our #RiverdaleRewatchAF ! Episodes 215 & 216 of #Riverdale start now!

If you like what we do here, please consider donating at:
Patreon.com/theafictionados

SUPPORT YOUR AFICTIONADOS by shopping from our small businesses!
Brittany: www.visitbiniland.com 
Robyn: www.hibyrdi.etsy.com

Intro: 00:00:00
TWBB: 00:02:20
PC: 00:28:40

Find us on the internet:
The Afictionados:
@theafictionados on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram (but mostly Twitter)
Email us at: afictionadospodcast (@) gmail .com

Robyn:
@RobynEJeffrey on Twitter, Instagram, Redbubble, TikTok
@ffaraday on Tumblr
@hibyrdi on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok
www.hibyrdi.etsy.com

Blanche:
@serpentlady on Letterboxd, Serializd, Tumblr, Goodreads

RIV REWATCH: Episodes 215 & 216

Mob mentality can be dangerous. Especially when it’s weaponized against someone who’s innocent. Well, kind of. It’s #The100 episode 104: Murphy’s Law!

If you like what we do here, please consider donating at:
Patreon.com/theafictionados

SUPPORT YOUR AFICTIONADOS by shopping from our small businesses!
Brittany: www.visitbiniland.com 
Robyn: www.hibyrdi.etsy.com

Find us on the internet:
The Afictionados:
@theafictionados on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram (but mostly Twitter)
Email us at: afictionadospodcast (@) gmail .com

Robyn:
Robyn:
@RobynEJeffrey on Twitter, Instagram, Redbubble, TikTok
@ffaraday on Tumblr
www.hibyrdi.etsy.com

Sam:
@samcaseys on Twitter, Letterboxd, Serializd
collider.com/author/samantha-coley/

Casey:
@caseywatchestv on Bluesky, Letterboxd, Serializd

Brittany (credit only):
@brittania_ on Twitter
@visitbiniland on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok
visitbiniland.com

episode 104: Murphy’s Law

Originally uploaded July 1st, reloaded July 10th.
Chris Holman welcomes Amanda Johnson, Business Resource Coach, CAMW!, Lansing, MI. 

Question: What is the Business Resource Network?

Capital Area Michigan Works!’ Business Resource Network (or BRN as we typically call it) is a novel retention strategy that focuses on preventing employees from quitting or getting fired. The long-term goal is to improve employee retention for BRN member employers, which will boost productivity along with growth opportunities within their organization. Targeted services to employer members working with a BRN Success Coach aim to successfully remove barriers to employees that may affect retention while providing pathways for those facing obstacles to employment success.

Question: How does the Business Resource Network assist employees?

Employees meet with a BRN Success Coach and identify areas of improvement. The coach works with each employee individually working to connect them with area resources or provide soft skills training until they meet their goals. Coaches then follow up with employees until their employment is stabilized and they successfully complete the program.

What can the Business Resource Network help with?

Commonly, employees seek help for housing and transportation. However, the Business Resource Network can also support employees struggling with childcare, legal problems, and personal issues. We often tell employees that if they have a problem, we have a solution.

Question: How is the Business Resource Network different from a company’s Employee Assistance Program?

Most EAPs provide confidential assessments and short-term counseling. EAPs are typically more clinical. Our Business Resource Network pairs easily with existing EAPs and often increases employees’ usage of their EAP. BRN provides a Capital Area Michigan Works! Success Coach to the member company’s workers. That Success Coach works closely with struggling workers, identifies areas of improvement, and supports the employee to make necessary changes to reach their goals. This may take the form of connection to community resources, direct financial assistance or soft skill training. The Business Resource Network also features direct referral through managers or human resource employees.

Question: Why should an employer join BRN?

In 2024, our employer BRN members averaged 778% return on their investment. Retention and productivity increase, and recruiting and training costs decrease. The Business Resource Network at Capital Area Michigan Works! understands employment needs and trends in the tri-county region. The BRN team works daily with member employers to address these needs and provide resources to develop solutions geared toward employee retention.

When a company joins BRN, they have access to an on-site and/or virtual Success Coach who is dedicated to work directly with that company’s employees to develop individual plans to get the services they need to not only stay but grow within that same organization.

Question: How can employers find out more?

Membership is currently open for more local employers to join. For more information, please contact the BRN team at BRN@camw.net.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Michigan Business Beat | Amanda Johnson, CAMW! All About Business Resource Network

Chris Holman welcomes Katie Nida, Operations Coordinator Velocity business incubator in Sterling Heights, MI.

Welcome Katie, remind the Michigan business community about Velocity?

Let’s start with the basics—what is SizeUp Sterling Heights, and what inspired Velocity to bring this platform to local businesses? 

Also, one of the big selling points is that this service is completely free. How are you able to offer something this valuable at no cost to local entrepreneurs?

What specific types of data and insights can businesses access through SizeUp?

Can you give a few real-world examples of how this might impact decision-making?

How does SizeUp Sterling Heights help level the playing field between small businesses and larger, well-resourced companies?

How does SizeUp integrate with the resources and services already offered through Velocity and the Sterling Innovation District?

Looking ahead, how do you see SizeUp contributing to the long-term economic development of Sterling Heights and Macomb County?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

VELOCITY AND THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS PARTNER TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE NEW WEBSITE SERVICE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

SizeUp Sterling Heights provides market research and business intelligence 
at no cost to help small businesses succeed

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Velocity, a business incubator and accelerator that drives innovation, supports growth and helps Macomb County businesses thrive is teaming up with the City of Sterling Heights. Together, they are launching SizeUp

“In today’s digital and information economy, if you don’t have access to intelligence, your business is at a significant disadvantage,” said Paula Macpherson, Executive Director of Velocity. “With the launch of SizeUp Sterling Heights on the Velocity website, we are empowering businesses in Sterling Heights and Macomb County to make more data-driven decisions that will help them operate, grow and succeed.”

This new service is completely free for local businesses and available anytime through the Velocity website at https://www.mivelocity.com/sizeupsterlingheights.

About Velocity

Velocity is a catalyst for culture change designed to accelerate innovation, reinvention, and growth for Macomb County businesses in the manufacturing, technology, and defense industry. Located in the Sterling Innovation District, our incubator, accelerator, and coworking space offer world-class opportunities to help businesses thrive. Velocity is proudly located in the “Sterling Innovation District,” which spans six square miles and is home to 28 million square feet of industrial and high-tech space. Billions of dollars in new high-tech manufacturing investments have been made throughout the Sterling Innovation District over the past five years, including the reinvention of Velocity.

About SizeUp, Inc.

SizeUp is a Fintech (Financial Technology) Internet service company dedicated to providing powerful business intelligence. SizeUp helps its clients better serve their small business customers by providing high-quality market research and business insights. SizeUp enables small businesses to make better decisions through big data.

Michigan Business Beat | Katie Nida, Mid 2025 Update Velocity Business Incubator, Sterling Heights!

Chris Holman welcomes  Jeff Metts, President, Dowding Industries, Eaton Rapids, MI.

Remind the Michigan business community about Dowding Industries?

Tell us about your company's 60th Anniversary?

How has the company evolved over those 6 decades?

Where are things going in the next few years?

Are you finding the talent you need?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Michigan Business Beat | Jeff Metts, Dowding Industries, Celebrating 60 Years of Evolution in MI

Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager and Joe Winkiel, Business Services Officer CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. 

What is the Job Finders Group?

How does JFG connect candidates to local employers?

What are some examples of JFG success stories?

How could a Lansing area employer get involved with JFG?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Michigan Business Beat | Teri Sand and Joe Winkiel, Capital Area Michigan Works! Job Finders Group

Chris Holman welcomes back Shibani Putatunda, Economic Specialist, with the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics

What is going on in Michigan’s labor market this month?

How did Michigan’s unemployment rate compare with the U.S. and other states in May?

Which industries saw the greatest change in number of jobs during May?

What happened in the Michigan regions this month?

What would you say is the key takeaway for Michigan’s labor market this month?

Where can we find more information on Michigan’s labor market?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate edged down by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 5.4 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment was reduced by 5,000 over the month, and the number of unemployed people fell by 1,000. Michigan’s labor force receded by 7,000 during May.

“Michigan’s labor market remained stable over the month, with a minor unemployment rate reduction in May,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for Michigan’s Center for Data and Analytics. “Statewide payroll jobs also rose over the month and over the year.”

The U.S. unemployment rate remained constant for the third consecutive month at 4.2 percent. Michigan’s jobless rate in May was 1.2 percentage points above the national rate. Over the year, the national unemployment rate rose by two-tenths of a percentage point, while the statewide rate increased by 0.9 percentage points since May 2024.

Labor force trends and highlights

After two years of jobless rates that increased or remained stable over the month, Michigan’s unemployment rate decreased in May to 5.4 percent, a rate last seen during February 2025.
Michigan’s total workforce edged down by 0.1 percent over the month, while the national labor force receded by 0.4 percent since April.
Total employment fell by 0.2 percent over the year. In comparison, the U.S. total number of employed advanced by 1.3 percent during the same period.
The May statewide labor force participation rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 61.9 percent. Michigan’s employment-population ratio also fell by a tenth of a percentage point to 58.5 percent during May.
Detroit metro area jobless rate recedes in May

The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.0 percent during May. Employment in the Detroit MSA rose by 4,000, while unemployment fell by 3,000, resulting in a slight labor force increase of 1,000 over the month.

Over the year, the Detroit MSA unemployment rate advanced by 0.7 percentage points. Employment fell by 5,000 and unemployment advanced by 16,000 since May 2024.  

Michigan payroll employment increases in May

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll jobs advanced by 10,000, or 0.2 percent, during May.

Michigan Business Beat | Shibani Putatunda Reviewing Michigan's May 2025 Unemployment Statistics

Chris Holman welcomes back Keith Lambert, COO of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Lansing, Michigan serving mid-Michigan.

Welcome back, remind the business community about LEAP?

Bob, completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities, tell us about that?

A big win last month, IONETIX set to invests $25.75M in Delta Township Facility, Creating 53 High-Tech Jobs and Advancing Lansing’s MedTech Leadership, what else should we know about this?

What have been some other highlights from the first half of 2025, perhaps the recent Benchmarking report?

What else is on the horizon for the Lansing area?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities
Program created lasting impact for small towns and communities across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties

LANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2025) — The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), proudly announces the successful completion of its first ever Small Town Enhancement Grant Program, which invested nearly $90,000 across five rural communities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.

Launched in early 2024, the program empowered small towns to breathe new life into community spaces that define local identity and economic potential. With projects now complete, the results speak volumes—showcasing how targeted investments can foster pride, encourage gathering, and create lasting impact.

“We believe that thriving, beautiful places are a cornerstone of economic growth,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “This program proves that with the right support, our small towns can build spaces that preserve their charm while embracing the future.”

“Everyone was really excited to hear the bell ring again,” said Becky Austin, Vermontville village clerk when referring to the town’s historic bell tower dating back to 1862. “This building has always been a gathering place. It means so much to our community to see it restored and honored.”

The project was celebrated with a community ribbon-cutting in November, capping off a journey that began with LEAP’s traveling “Small Town Road Show” and check presentation earlier in the summer.

Over in Maple Rapids, local favorite Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria received a long-overdue facelift, restoring the façade of the 120-year-old building while maintaining its vintage appeal. The revitalization is already helping reenergize the small town’s downtown corridor.

“We’ve had people stop by while local contractors were still finishing the job—just to say how excited they were,” said Gregg Smyth, owner of Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria. “This grant helped us invest in the town we love. There’s new energy here, and it’s just the beginning.”

The project was unveiled during a November ribbon cutting that drew crowds and cemented the site’s renewed role as a centerpiece of the community.

Other completed projects include the City of Ovid, which enhanced Main Street with new banners; the City of Leslie, which installed a new community pavilion; and the Village of Stockbridge, where a $25,000 grant transformed a vacant patio area next to Village Hall into a walkable community space designed for relaxation and connection.



About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.

Michigan Business Beat | Keith Lambert, Lansing Area Economic Partnership  mid-2025 Update

TRACKLIST:

1. TKG - TOO MUCH XTC
2. SCHRANZCHEZ - LET ME BE, YOU'LL SEE
3. KODA - SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM
4. JASON LITTLE - FUTURE
5. JASON LITTLE - F2CK
6. WITHECKER - COME WITH US 
7. WITHECKER - REVENGE WILL BE MINE

Amateur Hardtechno Sessions #009 (The 180s Network Special): Sinapses Traiçoeiras

Visit Glocourse.com to purchase the course

Or contact me for 10% DISCOUNT for PAYPAL and 20% for CRYPTO.

Email: Maris.amandateam@gmail.com
Discord: @maris246

Course list: course24h.com/courselist/

Website: Glocourse.com | Course24h.com | Shoppycourses.com

[Glocourse.com] Epic Network – Quick Cash Consulting

Welcome to The Afictionados - The 100! We're here to provide you with weekly updates on what the murder teens are up to, as well as social commentary on a post-apocalyptic society. Also, like, puns. Join us over at The Afictionados - Riverdale and The Afictionados - LOST for more AF content! Content af? AF content? Who knows.

The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.

Two nerds fangirl over Riverdale with insightful discussion and super dumb jokes. Search "Afictionados" for our other podcasts!

🇧🇷 Hard Dance producer.
(aka Xscënia)

New tracks tagged #NETWORK